Law enforcement teams up for drug take-back day

ALBUQUERQUE (AP) - Law enforcement agencies and health officials are urging residents to turn in their unwanted prescription drugs as part of a national effort.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, and there are collection sites set up around New Mexico, from Las Cruces and Deming to Socorro and Santa Fe.

Southwest Region Public Health Director Ray Stewart says safely disposing of old or unused prescription medication is one small step that can be taken to limit the availability of drugs in New Mexico communities.

The national event is sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration. In the last several years, the agency has been able to remove more than 3.4 million pounds of medication from circulation.

In the last two years, more than 10,000 pounds were collected in New Mexico.

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Photo: NBC News

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